Baller Dockoelboto Posted June 12, 2023 Baller Share Posted June 12, 2023 I have a 2013 Response TXi. The zero-off head unit is fading in the heat and is difficult to read. I am going to replace it and do the single puck upgrade at the same time. Anyone have any experience changing out the head unit and with the single puck change on a response TXi? Any guidance on how to replace the head unit would be appreciated. Also, if anyone has guidance on drilling into gel coat to make the larger hole, I could definitely use some guidance. I searched and couldn't find anything. I also posted on Malibu Crew and so far no reply. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller LeonL Posted June 12, 2023 Baller Share Posted June 12, 2023 I can't address Malibu specifically, but it shouldn't be a real problem if you can remove the the dash panel. As for drilling gel coat, just get you a1" hole saw and start slowly. Be sure of your location. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Andre Posted June 12, 2023 Baller Share Posted June 12, 2023 I'm almost certain someone is repairing those ZO units display. Saw something recently here...or was it on FB ? My ski finish in 16.95 but my ass is out of tolerance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Dockoelboto Posted June 12, 2023 Author Baller Share Posted June 12, 2023 I think it should be fairly easy. I just was hoping someone had done it on a TXi and could give advice on how to remove the dash panel. I'm sure it isn't too complicated. Hopefully. I've also had a few surging issues with my dual puck set-up. Hopefully a single puck conversion helps that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller paul Posted June 12, 2023 Baller Share Posted June 12, 2023 I just loaded the new firmware onto our double pucks - much better! More satellites, always diff lock and the boat feels softer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller vtjc Posted June 12, 2023 Baller Share Posted June 12, 2023 (edited) I complete the dual to single puck upgrade on my 08 CC 196 this spring. I used a Bosch 1” Diamond Hole saw with a centering bit to enlarge the original hole for the wiring to one of the dual pucks. Freddy Krueger has some tutorials for the ECI puck install, some MC specific information but it should be helpful. Good luck with your project. https://www.boschtools.com/us/en/boschtools-ocs/diamond-hole-saws-hdg1-34914-p/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuER3DoPOtk Edited June 15, 2023 by vtjc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller vtjc Posted June 14, 2023 Baller Share Posted June 14, 2023 This is a picture showing the hole drilled for the new ECI puck. Pic of the new puck installed before removing the old antenna mount. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller LeonL Posted June 14, 2023 Baller Share Posted June 14, 2023 @vtjc that looks like a 196. The plug I removed was less than half that thick. ('08 196) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Mick04 Posted June 14, 2023 Baller Share Posted June 14, 2023 (edited) I completed this upgrade 2 or 3 years ago with my 2014 TXi. It was well worth it. I think I just put some painters tape over the gel coat where I was going to drill, then used a small hole saw. I put it right next to where the old round puck was on the driver side, so it covers the old hole. I left the passenger side puck in place (unplugged at the head unit) instead of trying to plug or patch the hole. I think removing the head unit is pretty straight forward, if you get under the dash, you will see. Like I said, it was at least a couple years ago. I don’t remember any gotcha’s, so it must have been pretty easy, even for someone with novice skills like me. Definitely improves the pull. Edited June 15, 2023 by Mick04 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller 03RLXi Posted June 15, 2023 Baller Share Posted June 15, 2023 To enlarge an existing hole and damage gelcoat use a jigsaw or holesaw to cut a piece of ply fitting old hole diameter then tape it into existing hole. It provides the ‘centre’ for holesaw matching new transducer diameter. Initially run drill in reverse at low speed until it’s through gel coat then just drill normally. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Dockoelboto Posted June 15, 2023 Author Baller Share Posted June 15, 2023 thank you all for the advice. The upgrade kit should come in a few weeks. I'll order a hole saw of some kind. If nothing else the new head unit will be a big upgrade, if the pull is better, then that is just gravy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller LeonL Posted June 16, 2023 Baller Share Posted June 16, 2023 To make it easier get a hole saw with a center starter bit, not like the one pictured above. Just easier.I 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Dockoelboto Posted June 16, 2023 Author Baller Share Posted June 16, 2023 @LeonL I am definitely going to find a hole saw with a center starting bit. thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller LeonL Posted June 16, 2023 Baller Share Posted June 16, 2023 Lowes, Home depot, harbor freight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Zman Posted June 18, 2023 Baller Share Posted June 18, 2023 (edited) On 6/12/2023 at 12:08 PM, Dockoelboto said: I think it should be fairly easy. I just was hoping someone had done it on a TXi and could give advice on how to remove the dash panel. I'm sure it isn't too complicated. Hopefully. I've also had a few surging issues with my dual puck set-up. Hopefully a single puck conversion helps that. For the dash panel, there should be a single screw at center top (if I remember correctly), and 2 screws on the Malibu oval logo at the bottom of the panel. Remove these and you should be able to pull the panel forward for easy access to the ZO gauge. Edited June 18, 2023 by Zman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Dockoelboto Posted June 18, 2023 Author Baller Share Posted June 18, 2023 @Zman - thanks for the tip! I have seen those screws, I was hoping it would be simple, you just never know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Zman Posted June 19, 2023 Baller Share Posted June 19, 2023 21 hours ago, Dockoelboto said: @Zman - thanks for the tip! I have seen those screws, I was hoping it would be simple, you just never know. Just pull the instrument panel forward carefully after removing the screws so that the somewhat sharp edges don't damage the surrounding upholstery. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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